Freelancers often spend hours perfecting a pitch, only to land a single assignment, if any at all. But what if one strong idea could lead to two, three or even more commissions? Reframing a single concept or experience for different audiences and outlets can help you build a more sustainable and profitable career.

"It’s much more efficient," said freelance journalist Lily Canter. "It saves time, and it also helps you build expertise."

When Canter reported on running during pregnancy for UK magazine Runner's World, she repurposed part of her research into a completely different listicle for the US fitness site Well Good.

"If someone was searching for information about running during pregnancy, they might come across my articles and think, 'Oh, she’s written quite a bit about this," she said. "That kind of visibility helps establish you as someone who really knows the subject."

She's applied the same multi-angle approach across personal finance, health and travel – where she finds it especially valuable, since freelancers often cover their own expenses and can’t afford to take time away for just one assignment.

Travel writing differs from other types of reporting, explained Lindy Alexander, a freelance travel writer and founder of The Freelancer’s Year. "You usually need to be on the road, which means you can't take on other stories at the same time. So, [you] really have to be savvy about it."

Her rule of thumb: one commissioned story for every two days away. "If I'm away for six days, ideally, I’d want to get at least three stories from that trip."

But before you start spinning one idea into multiple........

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